Statement games are overrated. To pinpoint one game during the course of an 82-game season that signifies some sort of seismic shift in a team is asinine. Seasons don’t change fates in one night and teams don’t gel against one team. It doesn’t happen. But if there was anything that would classify as a statement game, last night’s defeat of the Houston Rockets comes pretty close.
Photo courtesy of the AP
The Sixers, coming off a tough loss to the New Orleans Hornets looked sluggish to open the game. That sin can be understood with a seven-game stint in the friendly confines of the Wachovia Center within reach. The turnovers mounted quickly, 14 in the first half to be exact, and it looked like the Sixers might be heading for a similar fate as the previous game.
But the Sixers kept grinding and eventually settled down. A glance at some of the key stats would lead you to believe that the Sixers would have a tough time winning this game. They were outscored at the three-point line 24-3 and committed 18 turnovers (but only four in the second half). However, a couple of key stats jump out in the Sixers favor.
As usual, the Sixers outran their opponent. The Rockets simply could not match the up-tempo style of the Sixers and it showed in the 25 fast break points the Sixers were able to garner. But the most important number of this game was 93. The Sixers were able to hold a solid and healthy Houston Rockets team to 93 points due in large part to the 14 blocks the team had. This effort was led by none other than Elton Brand with 6 blocks. Say what you will about his ability to fit with this team on the offensive end, but there is no denying he vastly improves the defensive play. Tonight, Brand played a high-energy game and found a rhythm on the offensive end of the floor. If he is able to play at that level for the remainder of the season this team will be dangerous.
The Sixers, a team that normally struggles from the line, knocked down 20-21 at the charity stripe last night. This is a trend that needs to continue. As the season winds to an end, games slow down and accuracy from the free throw line becomes imperative. The Sixers need to find a more consistent stroke at the line to be successful down the stretch and in the playoffs.
While I will resist placing some sort of artificial importance on this game, it was a good win against a solid Western Conference foe. Tonight, the Sixer showed that even when they are not hitting on all cylinders, they can come away with a win. If that team shows up for the rest of the season, the Sixers might find themselves with home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
I do not think it was a statement win like the win over SA was. The Rockets had their players back, but it was the 1st game back for 2 of their players, and I’m sure they were not clicking on all cylinders.
It was a good opportunity win. They overcam some bad breaks on missed layups, and seemed like the aggressor (impressive given the Rockets star power.) They now need to take advantage of an easy stretch in the schedule. They have one 9 of 11, and can continue their run into the All Star Break. That might give them the momentum needed to close out strong, despite playing 18 of 31 on the road after the break.
I’m with you TK, the Sixers need to capitalize on the upcoming stretch of games before a grueling span of road games to end the season.
What this win said to me was the Sixers are capable of winning games even when certain aspects are missing. Last night, the three point shooting and defense was missing, but they still came away with the W. They can’t shoot 1-12 every night and win games but last night they were able to overcome a poor performance from beyond the arc. Earlier in the season, I’m not sure they win without their absolute best effort.
The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’’s. It works well, but isn”t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’’s not an issue, but if you”re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’’s larger screen and better browser may be important.
The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’’s. It works well, but isn”t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’’s not an issue, but if you”re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’’s larger screen and better browser may be important.